The Viewpoint Volume 55 No. 8 August 2008 “You renew the face of the earth” Psalm 104:30

Installation of By: Pastor Jan Ruud In the beautiful days of summer, focus on ministry with children Pastor we see God’s creation being re- and youth during her time here. I Rebecca Shjerven newed in many ways. Like the know that we will be blessed by author of Psalm 104, we marvel at the gifts she shares with us. the awesome power of God who Sunday, August 10 has created everything from More renewal happens when we mountains and valleys to the tiny welcome Laura Oellerich as the During Worship creatures that inhabit them and new director of St. Mark’s Pre- Services the sun and moon that shine school. Laura brings a wealth of 8:30 – 9:45 – 11:00 above them. Read the whole experience and talent to this po- Psalm and you will know what I sition, and has a deep commit- am talking about. ment to the mission of the whole Reception with cake Church. It brings me joy to think of At St. Mark’s, the month of August all the children and families who following each service is filled with signs of God’s re- will be blessed by her ministry! For more information newal. It begins with the wel- come of Pastor Rebecca Shjer- Finally, I am thinking of all the see page 13 ven. In her, we see the fulfillment other special events during Au- of God’s promise to continually gust that bear witness to God’s renew the church by sending us renewing Spirit in this place. Inside this issue: faithful servants who bring unique Imagine all the energy and the (Ministry Teams are Highlighted gifts and new perspectives into life that children bring to our con- in Bold Print) the midst of our life together. We gregation as they participate in Pastor’s Message 1 will welcome Pastor Shjerven on Vacation Bible School and sum- Sunday, August 3rd and then in- mer Sunday School, or the gor- Grace Upon Grace 2 stall her as our new pastor at all geous scenery and community Christian Education 4 three services on Sunday, August that members soak up as they 10th. I am thrilled to have her as a backpack together in the Cas- Congregational Care 5 colleague in ministry and as a co- cade mountains and gather with Calendar 8 worker with all of us in the mission others at Holden Village. Think of we share. the joy we find in serving meals at Outreach Ministry 10 Nativity House or in gathering as Peace & Justice Ministry 10 On Sunday, August 17th, we will a church family for fun and fel- be renewed again as we wel- lowship on Harstine Island. In all Stewardship Ministry 11 come Mirjam Hofer, our seminary of this, we say with the Psalmist: Worship & Music Ministry 12 intern, who will serve with us for “Bless the Lord, O my soul. Praise Youth & Family Ministry 13 ten months. Mirjam comes from the Lord!” the Lutheran School of Theology Birthdays & Anniversaries 14 in Nuremburg, Germany and will Page 2 The Viewpoint Volume 55 NO. 8

By: Jim Pence—Building Committee Chair and Kimberly Meade, Congregational President

By the time you read this, St. Mark’s will have taken three important steps forward to achieve our goal of linking ministry with facilities: Viewpoint shows, more than half of that Securing a loan from the Mission Investment amount is currently available to us. The bal- Fund (MIF) of the ELCA ance will have to come from donations to Receiving a building permit from the City of Grace Upon Grace that come in during con- Tacoma struction. Signing a contract with Wade Perrow Construc- As of July 15, we have contributed about tion (WPC) of Gig Harbor $26,000 from Grace Upon Grace to Peace The schedule for construction is not yet available, but Community Center—5% of receipts to date. WPC representatives will soon meet with our Building Mortgage payments will be in the $18,000 - Committee to map out the details. The schedule will $20,000 per month range (depending on the be printed in the next issue of Viewpoint and posted actual amount borrowed). around the church. If all of the money pledged to Grace Upon This is a quick summary of what is happening in our Grace is collected on schedule (i.e., before the building project: end of June 2010), we will be able to make MIF authorized us to borrow $3,015,000 if mortgage payments and pay down some prin- needed. The congregation has authorized a cipal. loan not to exceed $3,000,000 (we will borrow In the coming weeks, as the building project proceeds, only what’s necessary). we will see disruptions to normal schedules and modifi- As a condition of the loan, MIF required us to cations to our existing facilities. We will also experience pay off the $24,000 outstanding balance on the arrival our new pastor and discover new under- the congregation’s line of credit with Columbia standings of how enhanced facilities will allow us to Bank. The Church Council authorized a tempo- improve ministry in education, music, youth and family rary transfer of $24,000 from the Grace Upon and fellowship. What exciting times to be “under con- Grace account to comply with this require- struction”! ment. The Council also stipulated that the Grace Upon Grace account be reimbursed by On behalf of the members of the Church Council and December 2008. the Building Committee, we invite your questions, sug- gestions, prayers, and faithful stewardship as St. Mark’s MIF also requires us to pay $320,000 towards grows into the next stage of its mission and ministry. the project over the nine months of construc- The Spirit continues to lead us to live into our calling as tion. As Jim Hoiland’s financial update in this a people and a place for God’s grace. Volume 55 NO. 8 The Viewpoint Page 3 Grace Upon Grace Financial Update By: Jim Hoiland, GUG Campaign Treasurer

The following is a summary of the finances for the Grace Upon Grace campaign as of June 30, 2008.

Total amount paid on pledges $526,345.56 Matching funds from Thrivent $7,875.00 Interest Earned $3,360.54

Total Income $537,581.10

Program Expenses $21,536.26 Kairos Fees $34,500.00 Bank Fees $674.52 Peace Lutheran $8,350.00 Permits $7,221.25 Engineering/Design Fees $58,866.61 Architect Fees $203,778.65

Total Expenses $334,927.39

CASH ON HAND $202,653.71

Total amount pledged to date: $1,174,008.00 of which $526,345.56 has been paid or 45% (The total pledged includes money designated for the matching funds for the Preschool and the Peace Lutheran Community Center)

All of our outstanding bills have been paid to date.

Groundbreaking Ceremony – We’re Almost Under Construction The sun shined on our ceremonial groundbreaking as future as our musicians introduced the theme song, St. Mark’s moved nearer to the day when big ma- “Build Us Up, Lord” and as our special guests, Pastor chines will show up and the sounds of construction fill Lyle Miller, Architect Larry Broweleit, and Builder the air. We could feel God’s presence in our midst as Wade Perrow, shared their words of thanksgiving and we prayed and shared scripture Invited representa- vision with us. Ice cream sundaes were enjoyed as tives of St. Mark’s former and current leadership and we continued to share dreams and stories with one future beneficiaries of the new space turned over soil another in the waning light. We’re almost Under with gold shovels. It seemed possible to see into the Construction – thanks be to God! Page 4 The Viewpoint Volume 55 NO. 8 Christian Education Adult Forums: August—September 7 Thank You from Singing Our Faith Anne Bettger

Beginning August 3rd, six Sunday Aug. 17 - “Great Is Thy Faith- I would like to thank Avria Mykle- Adult Forums will focus on well- fulness” and “How Great Thou gard, Alison Hoseth, Laura Oel- loved hymns. Each session will Art” lerich and the Preschool Board for explore biblical connections to Aug. 24 - “What A Friend We the wonderful "Retirement" Ice the text in two hymns. We will re- Have In Jesus” and “Precious Cream Social that was held on flect on our personal history with Lord, Take My Hand” May 31. I enjoyed seeing some of the hymn, learn the history and Aug. 31 - “Love Divine, All my former students, eating a lot legends associated with it and Loves Excelling” of ice cream and reminiscing how the message of the hymn and “Amazing Grace” about all the good times. I would applies to our daily journey of Sept 7 - “Holy, Holy, Holy” also like to thank the St. Mark's faith. and “Immortal, Invisible, God family for the very generous gift I Only Wise” received. I appreciate it very Aug. 3 - “It Is Well With My much. My plans for the remain- Soul” and “I Know That My The Adult Forums meet in the Fire- der of the summer will include a Redeemer Lives” side Room at 9:45 and 11:00 a.m.. trip to Norway with my daughter, Aug. 10 - “O God, Our Help In Barbara and Pastor Otto Tollef- Jill. We are planning to visit Roros, Ages Past” and “Silent Night” son, facilitators. Lilllehammer (my fathers home town) and Bergen.

Summer Sunday School: On a final note, I would like to congratulate Laura Oellerich on God Loves the World becoming the new director of St. Mark's Preschool. I have worked Summer Sunday school began on August 3: Michelle Marshman with Laura for many years and I June 22nd. We have had lots of will take us to France or Ger- cannot think of a more qualified fun on Sunday mornings in the many person. fellowship hall. All the weeks are August 10: The Postovoit Fam- already taken, but if you would ily will take us to Sweden Thank you for letting me be a part like to be a part of this summer August 17: The Henderson- of such a wonderful ministry, class time – just appear in the Wiley Family will take us to southern part of the fellowship South Korea hall (right by the communication August 24: The Hamburg Fam- Sunday school will boxes) and offer to help. Or of- ily will take us to China be here before fer to help clean up after class A HUGE thanks to our guides for one Sunday. I’m sure no one you know it. Keep the summer. the kids in your would refuse that kind of assis- Children will remain in church until tance!! after the children’s sermon at the prayers and 9:45 service and then be dis- consider helping in Summer Sunday School: missed to the fellowship hall to some way. Look God Loves the World travel. for sign up sheets Get ready to travel, kids! Our Bon Voyage! guides are in place. Our travel to go up a couple plans are made. Teachers, Summer Sunday school students weeks after VBS is check your communication to begin in the sanctuary with sing- over. Fall Sunday get your plans. ing. After the children’s sermon school beings on Each Sunday we will travel to a the kids will be dismissed as a th different country with the help of group to go to class. September 14 . various guides. Volume 55 NO. 8 The Viewpoint Page 5 Welcome to our Tree Top Bible Blast

This year we explore the rainforest during Vacation or simply take a Bible School week from August 4th – 8th. We’ll talk task from the list about sharing, giving, loving and praising. Sorry, but that will be pro- swinging from vines is against the church’s insurance vided. Come policy. with a friend or come by your- Music CDs for VBS have been mailed out to each self. Even if the family. If you did not receive one and would like entire church showed up there would be a job for one there are some on the Education bulletin board everyone. across from the office. If you have any questions th about VBS please contact Sheri Kurashima or Linda On Friday August 8 we need all hands in the forest Wimberley. to break down the decorations. We’ll need to clear out the decorations from all the common areas. We Set up and Clean Up help needed will need to collect all the recyclable materials and Sunday August 3rd, after the 11am service we will take them to the recycling center out on South begin transforming the entire church into a rainfor- Mullen (we’ll have way too much stuff to fit in our est. Whether you are creative or not we can find blue can). We will need to clean the church well you a job. You can create something on your own because there is a wedding that evening. The more people who can help the faster this will go. Education Team Members Needed

It’s time to add to the Education committee. Look for meeting times to be posted on the Education bulletin board across from the office. The Education team is responsible for planning and recruiting for Sunday school, the annual Christmas program, Vacation Bible School, third grade bibles and many more important parts of our ministry here at St. Mark’s. If you would like to be a part of this active team please contact a team member [Leslie Postovoit, Linda Faaren, John Frazier, Ingelaurie Lisher or Linda Wimberley] or simply show up to a meeting. Congregational Care Warm Up For Winter

By: Judy Summers These events are potlucks held in be TWO sign up sheets in the nar- someone's home where guests of thex in late August and in Sept. and The Fellowship Team is looking their choice (old friends, new October for you to sign up for host- ahead to the Fall as we are again friends, new members and their ing and/or attending an event. For sponsoring Warm Up for Winter Ap- sponsors) share appetizers, enjoy more information you can call Judy petizer Potllucks to be held during the company of St. Mark's friends Summers at 460-1442 or email her Sept., Oct. and November!! Many and donate, if they wish, items that at [email protected]. In Sept. people enjoyed the experience will keep others warm during the there will be a MEETING for hosts/ last year of getting together with winter months ahead. hostesses to get any questions an- old friends, new friends and meet- swered. The Fellowship Team will ing some of our new members as How you may want to be involved: have names of new members who well as having the opportunity to You may want to be a host/ might enjoy attending an event or donate items to keep others warm hostess and share your home two to round out your guest for the winter (Nativity House and for an afternoon or evening of list. We hope you'll prayerfully con- Salvation Army are the recipients your choice. sider participating in this opportu- of our donations.) You may want to attend one of nity to share with others and cele- these events. brate the friendships, old and new, What are Warm Up for Winter Ap- If you would like to be involved in that God has brought into our lives. petizer Potlucks? these Warm Up for Winter Events ( and we hope you do!) there will Page 6 The Viewpoint Volume 55 NO. 8 Would You Like to Sponsor a First Aid Box? By: Helen Bache, Parish Nurse ter, hot utensils, hot stoves and heavy or sharp items. People working in the kitchen are careful but we want first aid supplies ready for them to use. The kitchen can also be easily reached by people work- ing outside on the grounds of the church. Soap and running water are often an important first step in tak- ing care of accidents.

2. Office copy room Think paper cuts! Ouch!

3. “Cry room” at back of church, in the closet. Sup- plies will include items for both children and adults and will be readily available to fellowship and wor- ship areas. For example, baby aspirin will be stored there along with both vinyl and latex gloves. Baby aspirin works for pain and fever in little ones and for adults in situations where a possible stroke or heart attack is suspected. There are five first aid boxes in the church that are available for sponsorship. If you like to keep things 4. Nursery, in the bathroom. This box includes infor- organized and neat, this is a great job for you! mation about choking emergencies and CPR for There will be a list of the contents of each box and babies and children. There are several instant ice a place to note the dates that you checked it. packs in the box which make excellent treatment There will be a place for your name or initials so for bumps and bruises. Always wrap an ice pack in a that we will know who to thank for doing this im- towel or other protective cloth before applying to portant job. It is vital to have a band aid or ice skin. pack, an elastic bandage or protective gloves ready to use when you need them. The Parish 5. Fireside Room, kitchen area. There are plastic Nurses and Church Office have extra supplies be bags that can be used as an arm sling (Cut sides refill boxes as they are used or the contents date down, handles over head and place arm in bag expires. bottom.) or use one to gently tie a compression bandage or towel in place. Clean terry towels are a First Aid boxes are in the following places: great help to stop bleeding from cuts.

1. Main kitchen This First Aid kit has the most sup- If you would like to sponsor a First Aid box, please tell plies. Work in the kitchen area often uses hot wa- Ingelaurie or sign up in the church office.

Parish Nurses are offering The Blood Mobile Blood Pressure Checks Sunday, August 24th, will be at St. Mark’s between services. Sunday, August 3rd between services. Please consider donating blood to our local blood bank. Volume 55 NO. 8 The Viewpoint Page 7

Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars August 23: Bible Study Event 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration: $15.00 First Lutheran Church, 18920 4th Ave. N E, Poulsbo, WA This will be an introduction to the 2008-2009 Lutheran Woman Today Bible study, “The Hidden Hand of God: Wisdom Stories from Ruth, Daniel, and Esther” The presenter will be Dr. Anne Fritschel from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. If you have ques- tions, you may call Diane McWilliams 565-2861 or Carol Fossum at 360-620-5368.

September 20: Fall Women’s Retreat 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring: a salad. This will be at the Paulson’s Fircrest home,517 Monterey Lane (564-6838). We have coffee upon arrival, listen to a speaker, usually with a mission theme, and then enjoy fellowship and a salad potluck lunch.

October 4: The Women of Southwestern Washington Synod 2008 Convention 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Galilean Lutheran at Ocean Shores This is a one-day convention packed with Bible study, singing, worship, fellowship, workshop experiences, and High Tea. The convention registration cost, $65.00, includes continental breakfast, lunch, and afternoon high tea.

November 15: The St. Mark’s Annual Holiday Bazaar

December 6 The St. Mark’s Women’s Annual Advent Brunch

2nd Sunday Transportation St. Mark’s will begin providing a user friendly, even accommodat- ride to the 11:00 a.m. service on ing wheelchairs. We will be con- the 2nd Sunday every month using tacting those of you who have one of the mini-buses from the ridden in the van in the past to Roger Willis has begun his training Tacoma Lutheran Home. Our see if we can pick you up on Au- at the Naval Academy in Annapo- goal is to do this more often, but gust 10th. If you know of anyone lis, MD. While he cannot receive for now we will have drivers else who might be interested, emails or phone calls, he can re- enough to begin on August 10th, please spread the word Mark ceive postcards and letters. The the Sunday that Pastor Rebecca your calendars for the 2nd Sunday training at the academy is inten- Shjerven is installed. Our church and plan to join us for worship at sive and it would be nice to sur- van, is difficult for some to get in St. Mark’s. prise Roger with the support from and out of. The mini-buses are his St. Mark’s family.

His address is:

MIDN ROGER WILLIS Class of 2012 F Company 11 Platoon P.O. Box 15319 Annapolis, MD 21412-5319 Page 8 The Viewpoint Volume 55 NO. 8 Christ Caring for People through People That is the motto of Stephen Ministry. The Stephen Minister's role is to bring God's love into the lives of people who are going through a difficult time or ex- periencing a crisis. What do Stephen Ministers do? They listen to you, care for you, support and encour- age you, and pray with and for you. In the midst of this confidential, one-on-one, caring relationship, God's healing love comes pouring through.

If you or someone you know is facing a crisis--large Stephen Leaders, along with Janeen and some or small--and could benefit from the caring pres- other previously trained leaders, are ready to get ence of a Stephen Minister, talk to Janeen Smith, Stephen Ministry back in action here at St. Mark’s. 209-5774 or 752-4966 ext 106. Our two newly trained Outreach Ministry Online Viewpoint and New Website By: Lisa Lindholm lieve I’ve accomplished what I’ve by my article last month. Only set out. I encourage you to take a those congregation members with After months of testing and redes- look: http://www.smlutheran.org. their email addresses on file will re- ign St. Mark’s has a new website. Files are still being added, but the ceive the e-Viewpoint. The remain- When I took on the position of man- main content is mostly complete. der will continue to receive a aging our website I had envisioned mailed copy. change, but I didn’t realize that I In addition to the new website would have come so soon. How- many of you are receiving this edi- If you would like to receive a paper ever, things changed due to the tion of The Viewpoint electronically. copy please call me at 565-1340 or unfortunate incident we experi- I hope you enjoy the vibrant color, the church office at 752-4966. If enced with a virus in May. the ability to click on links (text un- you were sent a paper copy and

derlined in blue) like the one above would like to receive the electronic My goal with the new site was to and a little less paper in your house. version you may phone me or make it easier to navigate, include email me at [email protected]. more information and give it a new I would also like to apologize to over all feel. From the feedback those of you who were confused I’ve received from the staff I be- Peace and Justice Ministry Focus on Mission to Mexico By: Janeen Smith—Coordinator of Ministry Thirty three people participated in this year’s adult and youth mission trip to El Florido, Mexico, east of Tijuana. We built four houses and hundreds of people-to-people connections. We look forward to pre- senting our experiences with the worshiping community here at St. Mark’s. This is an opportunity for us to say thank you for your support of this annual trip and to share with you what we’ve received by God’s grace because we participated. Please join us at 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 a.m. on July 27th. Verte alli! (See you there.) Volume 55 NO. 8 The Viewpoint Page 9 The Impact of Quilts

By: Vangie Billingsley

great inspiration and joy, took the quilts to their rooms and made the beds, one after another. School Bags are Ready to be They were very excited. Some of Filled them sang songs and recited po- The biggest needs are scissors, ems. We were all stirred up.” A pencil sharpeners, spiral note- project officer for World Council books (three 70 page in each kit). of Churches reported the joyful We also need pencils, erasers, response upon receiving the crayons, rulers and construction quilts. paper. Filling a school bag could be a wonderful family project. Quilts were delivered to an eld- erly woman living with three other Health Kits are Desperately Last year 452,870 quilts were dis- people in a one room home with Needed tributed by Lutheran World Relief no running water. “When we Hand towel, wash cloth, tooth to agencies who get them to handed her the quilts she was people who live in poverty and brush, comb, band aids, soap touched and thanked the Lord. (bath size) and a metal fingernail need of daily necessities. Besides The expression on her sick face file. quilts, thousands of kits (health, was changed. Inspired, she be- school, sewing, layettes, soap gan to tell about better days and Worldwide requests for L.W.R. and midwife) are sent. her family. She hoped for hap- quilts and kits are on the rise. With

pier days while praying to the your help we can help meet the What Effect do these gifts Lord. Sometimes just cane and needs. have? attention is enough to encourage This story is told about a delivery people and make them happy.” of 11,250 quilts to Armenia. Twenty years ago two powerful Soap! If each member of our earthquakes killed 25,000 people congregation brought one bar of and left 100,000 homeless. Quilts soap during August, we could were distributed to orphans, the make someone happy and give elderly and people with disabili- them hope. We cannot imagine ties through social service centers life without soap. and orphanages. “The children of the orphanage met us with Stewardship Ministry Food Bank Suggestions Stewardship (June/July 2008) for August: Canned or dried fruit DATE ATTENDANCE AMOUNT

*June 16 $ 2,505.00 June 22 277 7,971.47 June 29 308 10,160.58 *July 1 635.00 July 6 308 15,718.65 July 13 243 7,059.49 *July 15 2,505.00

*Simply Giving Page 10 The Viewpoint Volume 55 NO. 8 Worship and Music Ministry August 2008 Worship & Music Schedule SUNDAY, AUGUST 3rd (Pastor Rebecca Shjerven’s 1st Sunday) - 8:30 Service: Cantors: Ron & Eileen Tellefson, Levin Conway, Ruth Young Special Music: Ron & Eileen Tellefson, Levin Conway, Diana Busch (quartet) - 11:00 Service: Cantors: Karen Grams, Tom Geary, Jeanne Smith Special Music: TBA

SUNDAY, AUGUST 10th (Pastor Rebecca’s installation service) - 8:30 Service: Cantors: Libby Postovoit, Liz Sobania, Linda Faaren, Danielle Lemieux Special Music: Liz Sobania, Linda Faaren, Danielle Lemieux (trio) - 9:45 Service: Children’s Message: VBS Children sing - 11:00 Service: Cantors: Danielle Lemieux, Caresse Robertson Special Music: Susan Valenti, Janet Ruud, Danielle Lemieux (trio)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17th (Intern Mirjam Hofer’s 1st Sunday) - 8:30 Service: Cantors: Sarah & Olivia Sherry, Liz Hirschl Special Music: Liz Hirschl, solo - 11:00 Service: Cantors: Danielle Lemieux, Caresse Robertson Special Music: Summer Choir

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24th - 8:30 Service: Cantors: Ron & Eileen Tellefson, Levin Conway, Jen Olsen Krengel Special Music: Cindy Iverson, violin solo - 11:00 Service: Cantors: Janet Ruud, Susan Valenti Special Music: Cindy Iverson, violin solo

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31st - 8:30 Service: Cantors: Sarah & Olivia Sherry, Kirsti Ruud, Linda Faaren Special Music: TBA - 11:00 Service: Cantors: Karen Grams, Tom Geary, Jeanne Smith Special Music: Janet Ruud, Susan Valenti, Danielle Lemieux, Karen Grams (quartet) Vacation Bible School We are so blessed to have such capable music leadership here at St. Mark’s. Thank you to all who led the songs, hymns and liturgy throughout Sings the summer as well as contributed to worship through special music. A big thank you to our terrific accompanist leaders, Phyllis Bachman, Cooper The children who attended the St. Sherry, Craig Cootsona, and Darren Kerbs. God bless you as you have Mark’s Vacation Bible School ses- blessed us!!! sions from August 4th-8th are wel- come to sing songs learned dur- ing this time for worship at the 9:45 service on Sunday, August Worship & Music Team 10th. We will sing 3 songs for the congregation – just come to the We will meet this month on Tuesday, August 19th at 5:30 p.m. in the Fire- service and when I ask the VBS side Room. Please check your email accounts to see what is on the kids to come up, come on up agenda for this month. See you all there. and sing! Hope to see you all there!!! Volume 55 NO. 8 The Viewpoint Page 11 St. Mark’s Summer Choir Welcome, An additional way to participate in music this summer is to join the St. Pastor Shjerven Mark’s Summer Choir. The Summer Choir is open to ALL AGES, from young children (4 year olds) to 92-year olds! Just make sure you can The people of St. Mark’s enthusi- attend the practice required to sing on Sunday morning. There are sign- astically welcome Pastor Re- up sheets on the Music Bulletin Board (just across from the main office) becca Lucky Shjerven to ministry or you can contact Danielle (see Summer Music Opportunities article) or in our congregation beginning just show up at practice. Here is the AUGUST CHOIR schedule: August 1. Pastor Shjerven has ac-

cepted our congregation’s call Saturday practice, to serve as Pastor with responsibili- Aug., 16th (10-11 a.m.) – Sanctuary ties for the congregation’s Chris- Sunday, Aug. 17th, 11:00 a.m. (10:30 a.m. warm-up) tian Education, Youth & Family, and Peace & Justice ministries in addition to regular pastoral du- ties. She will be installed during worship services on Sunday, Au- gust 10th. We’ll celebrate this joyful occasion with cake and punch following each service. Youth & Family Ministry

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 Thank You Thanks to all of our adult leaders who lead our youth on their summer ad- ventures this last month: Tony Daniels, Carol Grudzien and Bruce Sadler—Rocky Boy Mission Trip (Montana); Lisa and Derek Lindholm— Western States Youth Gathering (Anaheim). We could not have done these trips without you. Thanks also to the congregation for your continued sup- port of our youth and family ministry program.

Western States Start planning ahead...2009 National Youth Gathering! July 21-26, New Youth Gathering— Orleans LA. Registration and hotel is $545.00 per person, airfare and We return Friday, August 1 at meals separate. We will register as a 6:45 p.m. to SeaTac Airport. group by the end of September. For Parents please be there to youth grades 9-12th(2009 graduates included). pick up your youth.

SR ALYVE to the Tacoma Rainiers—Friday, August 15th, 6:15 p.m. Cost: $9.00 per person plus $$ for food. Sign up by August 3rd if you are attending. Page 12 The Viewpoint Volume 55 NO. 8

August Birthdays Pastoral Acts August 1 Nadine Carroll August 19 Julia Brink Transfer – Jason Conley Jade-Emily McClelland Lee Busselman Shirley Morstad Earl Steen To Emmanuel Memorial August 2 Sheri Kurashima August 20 Mary Jo Larsen Episcopal Church August 3 Floyd Bachman August 21 Viola Clark 208 W. University Ave. Charleen Barnes Ingelaurie Lisher Champaign, IL 61820 Spencer Crenshaw August 22 Ryan Gustafson Hildegard Filar Chris Spaulding Death – Shannon Fleischfresser August 23 Mark Gaimster Evelyn Myrvik Natalie Popish Jim Pence Died 7/6/08 August 4 Volly Grande August 24 Greta Hixon August 5 Joan Berg August 25 Tom Chapman Memorial Service 7/12/08 Nathe Lawver, Sr. Don Reinkensmeyer John Summerour August 26 Jerrid Hixon Melanie Summerour Gene Keller Michelle Wilhelm August 30 Stan Adams August 7 Helen Bache Drew Albaugh Helen Conroy Natalie Albaugh Dustin Hartman Kendrick O’Neill Luke McConnell August 8 Elliott Crenshaw New Members—(June 29, 2008) Greg & Malinda Miller August 9 Dana Cheesman Lilly Lauren Larson Prudence & Vince Crocco, Anthony 1320 N Heatherwood E Lawrence Wimberley 4018 N 37th Street Tacoma, WA 98406 August 10 Dale Wright Tacoma WA 98407-5609 253.756.0148 August 11 Linda Hulst 253.759.9770 Kennedy Lee Leischen Moore Claudia Silverthorn Nina DeRek 9709 Zircon Dr. SW August 12 Bob Chapman 1707 N. Vassault St. #7-5 Lakewood WA 98498 Rob Irwin Tacoma, WA 98406 253.459.0340 August 13 Denise Allen 253.759.0988 Ralph Leistikow David & Caresse Robertson August 14 Alison Wigstrom-Hoseth Patrick & Victoria Gehring 3502 S. Mason Ave., Apt 7A August 15 Philip Birkeland Mary Clare and Victor Tacoma, WA 98409 Mike Nelson 1506 N. Defiance, Apt.R-108 253.304.8920 August 16 Rolf Morstad Tacoma, WA 98406 Martin Neeb 253.301.3035 August 18 Marie Hoiland Kay Luecken

August Anniversaries August 1 Barbara & Vic Holme August 18 Ann & Frank Hruza August 2 Dana & John Cheesman Linda & Jon Jornlin August 7 Karin & Anthony DeLorme August 19 Deborah & John Thomas August 9 Pat & Joe Buck Darlene & Michael Rompogren Marie & Jim Hoiland August 20 Linda & Tom Hulst August 12 Katina & Anthony Bundy August 21 Michelle & Scott Menefee Amy & Greg McCloud Mary & Chet Novak August 13 Kim & Mark Meade August 22 Betty & David Roberts August 15 Kathy & Stan Adams Tish & John Steigerwald Arlyn & Alan Anderson August 23 Wendy & Steve Gray Helen & David Huseth August 27 Maren & Herman Tobiassen Cyndi & Dan Villegas August 28 Kathleen & Robert Hasselblad August 16 Julia & Don Brink Helen & Earl Sakrison Anna & Theol Hoiland August 29 Sue & Dick Zatkovich Sheri & Gary Kurashima August 30 Carrie & Bob Bonner Alison Lindsey-Iverson & Ren Gallier Helen & Dan Conroy August 17 Mary Jo & Everett Holum Patty & Don Reinkensmeyer Lisa & Derek Lindholm August 31 Kris & Scott Moor Volume 55 NO. 8 The Viewpoint Page 13

Council Members June 2008 through May 2009

PRESIDENT Kim Meade 759-9817 VICE PRESIDENT Martin Duenhoelter 565-5634 SECRETARY Rolf Morstad 759-0563 TREASURER Steve Titus 507-5321

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION STEWARDSHIP John Frazier, 312-9313 John Wascher, 503-6765

CONGREGATIONAL CARE WORSHIP & MUSIC Janet Ruud, 564-2832 Jacquie Crenshaw, 456-6624

OUTREACH MINISTRY YOUTH & FAMILY Kevin Hayes, 460-1795 Alicia Lawver, 396-1214

PEACE AND JUSTICE Paula Friedman, 759-3881

STAFF General Office Email—[email protected] (253-752-4966) Pastor Jan Ruud—[email protected] Pastor Rebecca Shjerven—[email protected] Pastor Otto Tollefson—[email protected] Janeen Smith—Coordinator of Ministry—[email protected] Ingelaurie Lisher, Director of Youth & Families—[email protected] Danielle Lemieux—Director of Music Ministry—[email protected] Jan Pence, Office Manager/Administrative Assistant—[email protected] Lisa Lindholm, Publications—[email protected] Pat Buck, Financial Recording Secretary—[email protected] Laura Oellerich, Director of Preschool Becki Christian, Custodian and Hospitality Coordinator Darren Kerbs, Worship Team Director Caresse Lemieux, Youth Music Drama Team Leader Phyllis Bachman, Organist/pianist Cooper Sherry, Organist/pianist Adam Manley, Sound Technician Craig Cootsona, Musician Kristin Hamner, Nursery Attendant Chuck Droubay, Maintenance Manager Linda Wimberley, Sunday School Coordinator Spencer Crenshaw, Facilities Assistant Lori Neptun, Parish Nurse Ruth Saathoff, Parish Nurse Karen Grams, Parish Nurse Helen Bache, Parish Nurse Joan Torfin, Parish Nurse Christie Merry, Bookkeeper St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Non-Profit Organization by The Narrows U.S. Postage PAID 6730 North 17th Street Tacoma, WA Tacoma, WA 98406 Permit NO. 525 Phone: 253-752-4966 Fax: 253-752-4990

A Place for Grace

We’re on the Web! www.smlutheran.org

Our Mission Statement St. Mark’s is a people and place for God’s grace. We are a baptized and believing people claimed by Christ. Therefore, we call all people to Worship and Witness, Learn and Serve, Share God’s Word and Sacraments, Reach Out with Words and Deeds of Love.

Worship Opportunities at St. Mark’s Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at our morning services. Sunday, 8:30 a.m. — Sunday, 11:00 a.m.— This worship service draws on a People often call this the wide variety of musical traditions for "traditional" worship service be- both hymns and special music - cause we sing well-known hymns from Scandinavian Folk Tunes to from our new Evangelical Lutheran Asian or Latin American songs of Worship Hymnbook. The Chancel praise; from medieval chants to Afri- Choir leads the singing, with organ can American Spirituals – celebrat- and piano. ing the rich variety of music that God has given to the Church. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. — Taizé Prayer Service: a quiet service Sunday, 9:45 a.m.— centered in contemplative singing The singing at this service is led by a and prayer. Candlelit, meditative, band which includes piano, drums, renewing, restful peace in the midst bass guitar, and often another lead of your busy life! The name of the guitar or acoustic guitar, blending service comes from a community in contemporary music with historic France, where Christians from all elements of worship that are in all of over the world gather for renewal. our services. This Service is taking a summer break and will resume in Septem- ber.